Because excursion-craft owners wish to optimize the tourist market during the whale-watching season, these craft are operated from early morning until late daylight hours. At such times, the single operator is taxed to the limit and can be overcome by fatigue and the monotony of the operation. The operator had been working for about eight hours when the accident occurred. He is unable to recollect what happened prior to striking the beach but the information available indicates that he fell asleep. Most of the small whale-watching vessels are uninspected and the operators uncertificated. Information and publicity could serve to educate operators on the causes of fatigue and loss of alertness, and to reduce the incidence of operators falling asleep while on watch. In some sectors of the marine industry the one man watch is becoming the norm. Because of the noise, boredom, solitude and the long hours worked by such watchkeepers, a lack of alertness and fatigue have been found to be more prevalent than amongst those keeping more traditional watches. Technical solutions to the problem are being actively pursued around the world.Analysis Because excursion-craft owners wish to optimize the tourist market during the whale-watching season, these craft are operated from early morning until late daylight hours. At such times, the single operator is taxed to the limit and can be overcome by fatigue and the monotony of the operation. The operator had been working for about eight hours when the accident occurred. He is unable to recollect what happened prior to striking the beach but the information available indicates that he fell asleep. Most of the small whale-watching vessels are uninspected and the operators uncertificated. Information and publicity could serve to educate operators on the causes of fatigue and loss of alertness, and to reduce the incidence of operators falling asleep while on watch. In some sectors of the marine industry the one man watch is becoming the norm. Because of the noise, boredom, solitude and the long hours worked by such watchkeepers, a lack of alertness and fatigue have been found to be more prevalent than amongst those keeping more traditional watches. Technical solutions to the problem are being actively pursued around the world. As a result of running aground at full speed on Flores Island, the SHARPPOINT was extensively damaged and its operator severely injured. The SHARPPOINT was in its first year of operation. The vessel was not licensed as required. The operator on the SHARPPOINT was uncertificated and was not experienced in operating such a boat. Moreover there is no certification or experience requirement to operate such a boat. The operator has no recollection of the events prior to the occurrence. The information available indicates that the operator probably fell asleep at the wheel.Findings As a result of running aground at full speed on Flores Island, the SHARPPOINT was extensively damaged and its operator severely injured. The SHARPPOINT was in its first year of operation. The vessel was not licensed as required. The operator on the SHARPPOINT was uncertificated and was not experienced in operating such a boat. Moreover there is no certification or experience requirement to operate such a boat. The operator has no recollection of the events prior to the occurrence. The information available indicates that the operator probably fell asleep at the wheel. The SHARPPOINT ran aground at Flores Island due to the sole operator apparently falling asleep at the wheel. A long, warm, work day, with calm weather and boredom, contributed to the accident.Causes and Contributing Factors The SHARPPOINT ran aground at Flores Island due to the sole operator apparently falling asleep at the wheel. A long, warm, work day, with calm weather and boredom, contributed to the accident.